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Two thirds of corner shops under threat - shopkeepers call on new Government to act fast

A new survey has found that 68% of corner shopkeepers in the UK believe a ban on tobacco displays in shops could directly threaten the viability of their business. 

The survey was carried out by the Tobacco Retailers Alliance, which represents 26,000 independent shopkeepers across the UK and comes as the new government considers withdrawing plans to ban tobacco displays.

Ken Patel, National Spokesman for the Tobacco Retailers Alliance and a shopkeeper in Leicester said:

“Before the general election, the Conservatives pledged to look again at the previous Government’s decision because there was insufficient evidence that the policy would achieve the stated aim of reducing youth smoking.

“The previous Government pushed this law through Parliament last year, but the Conservatives and the Lib Dems were concerned at the time that while there was no evidence to prove it would cut youth smoking, it would be a massive burden for small shops like mine to bear.”

“Now that the new Conservative- Lib Dem Government is reviewing bad legislation made by Labour, we hope they will review the tobacco display legislation as well.” 

The survey also found that 87% of shopkeepers think that the Government did not listen to them before banning the display of tobacco with 77% saying the policy would influence their vote at the General Election.  Meanwhile, one in three retailers (35%) were aware of adults in their shops buying tobacco legally to give to under 18s.

John Abbott, a shopkeeper in Darlington, commented:

“It is nonsense to suggest that young people take up smoking because they see tobacco on display in shops. They take up smoking because they think it is cool, or because their mates encourage them to, or because they want to look older than they are.I think the previous Government confused the visibility of tobacco with actually buying it. Young people will see tobacco from time to time – in shops but also at home, with friends, or in public. It is impossible to hide smoking from them completely, so the law should focus on making sure they cannot access it.”

Debbie Corris, a shopkeeper in Whitstable, commented:

“Corner shops are a focal point of local communities up and down the country. It’s vital that everything possible is done to ensure we are given all the support we need to continue to provide the valuable service we do. Otherwise, there is a real risk that it won’t be long before corner shops become a thing of the past.”

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For more information and to interview local shopkeepers please contact Katherine Graham on 0800 008 282 / 07962 384 254 katherine.graham@tobaccoretailersalliance.org.uk or Jonathan Hart 0777 55 66 908

Notes to Editors

1.       The Tobacco Retailers Alliance is a coalition of 26,000 independent retailers who all sell tobacco products. For 27 years we have represented the rights of legitimate retailers to sell tobacco products in a legal and responsible way. The Tobacco Retailers Alliance offers free membership to any independent retailer who sells tobacco. The Tobacco Retailers Alliance is funded by the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association (TMA).

2.       The Economic Research Survey of 1,062 retailers, which was carried out by post during January and February 2010, was analysed by ORB (The Opinion Research Business).

3.       Key National findings are as follows:

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   • Two thirds of Britain’s independent retailers (68%) believe that the display ban could directly threaten the viability of their business.

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   • One in three retailers (35%) are aware of adults in their shops legally buying tobacco for under 18s (known as ‘proxy purchasing.’)

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   • The majority of retailers (87%) think that the Government did not listen to them before banning the display of tobacco

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   • Three quarters of retailers (77%) said the decision would affect their vote in the General Election.

Katherine Graham

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